I took a brief detour from I-10 to check out an abandoned mini-golf course south of the town of Willcox. Remarkably free from vandalism, the props and obstacles have been left to the mercy of the harsh desert climate.

The decor seems to lack a coherent theme, though Native American elements are present in some of the props.

A creepy gnomish figurine keeps vigil over the overgrown course while dry desert grass pushes up through cracks in the pavement.

Faded green turf still covers small patches of the course.

The rusty mechanisms inside the props are rusty from years of exposure to the elements.

Even the creepy gnome has mechanized components. I would love to have seen him in action back when his motors were still running. Though, as a child I probably would have fled in terror.

Several of the course's most notorious obstacles include the Rings of Death

and the Arrow of Despair

The only two structures on the property are "throne" room

and the boarded up trailer home that once served as the office.

Out back lies a discarded stove.

I was unable to find any records about the mini-golf course online, though it is apparent this place has been abandoned for at least a decade, and probably much longer.

A reverse lookup of the phone number on the for sale sign reveals that the lot is owned by one Janet Hoctor of Maricopa, AZ. Judging by the state of the sign, it is safe to assume the land has been on the market for quite a few years.

If anyone has any more information about this neat old miniature golf course, please leave a comment below.

14 comments
:

Thanks, Sue! I'd love to have seen the place when all the little motors were still working. I bet the gnome was even scarier. Sorry for the late reply. For some reason I'm not getting comment notifications.

Hello, came across your post and thought I'd add what I know about this place. I was born in Willcox in 1979 and to my knowledge it was closed by then. I never went while it was open and I don't think there's anything more than "owner couldn't keep it open" to the backstory. I did smoke weed in that teepee if that helps!

Here is a link I just found about this place, hope it helps shed some light on this old mini golf course. Thanks for posting this story. We have traveled to Wicox many times and never knew this place existed. https://www.uer.ca/locations/show.asp?locid=23888